Mozilla has this week announced the release of version 0.9 of its WebThings Gateway firmware for wireless routers, making the first experimental builds for the company’s first target router hardware, the Turris Omnia.
Based on the open source OpenWrt operating system, Mozilla explains that the firmware features a “new first-time setup experience which enables you to configure the gateway as a router and Wi-Fi access point itself, rather than connecting to an existing Wi-Fi network.” This new setup experience is designed to simplify the process for users, making it more intuitive and user-friendly. By allowing the gateway to function as a standalone router and Wi-Fi access point, Mozilla aims to provide greater flexibility and control over home network configurations.
Future Plans and Expansions
Mozilla is also planning to add support for other wireless routers and router developer boards in the near future. This expansion will enable a broader range of users to benefit from the WebThings Gateway firmware, regardless of their current hardware. The goal is to create a versatile and adaptable platform that can cater to various needs and preferences. As well as these new OpenWrt builds for routers, Mozilla will also continue to support the existing Raspbian-based builds for the Raspberry Pi range of mini PC systems. This continued support ensures that users who have already invested in Raspberry Pi hardware can still take advantage of the latest updates and features.
“So far, these experimental builds only offer extremely basic router configuration and are not ready to replace your existing wireless router. This is just our first step along the path to creating a full software distribution for wireless routers. We want to ensure that the user community can access a range of affordable developer hardware.” This statement highlights Mozilla’s commitment to developing a comprehensive solution that meets the needs of both novice and advanced users. By starting with basic functionality, Mozilla can gather valuable feedback and iterate on the design to create a more robust and feature-rich platform.
Community Involvement and Future Development
Mozilla’s approach to developing the WebThings Gateway firmware emphasizes community involvement and open-source collaboration. By releasing experimental builds early in the development process, Mozilla encourages users to test the firmware and provide feedback. This collaborative approach helps identify potential issues and areas for improvement, ensuring that the final product is well-suited to the needs of the community.
In addition to expanding hardware support, Mozilla is also exploring new features and capabilities for the WebThings Gateway firmware. Potential future enhancements could include advanced security features, improved network management tools, and integration with other smart home devices and platforms. By continuously evolving the firmware, Mozilla aims to stay at the forefront of the rapidly changing technology landscape.
For more details jump over to the official Mozilla blog by following the link below.
Source: Mozilla
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